I am not sure where the common name comes from, but the botanical name is Orobanche uniflora. It is a very small parasitic plant that is leafless and without chlorophyll and grows on the roots of other plants including the Indian Paintbrushes. When not in flower no part of the plant is visible.

ronaldhanko-orchidhunter.blogspot.com/2013/05/orchid-hunting-in-leavenworth-area.html